Agriculture

Fall armyworm infestation threatens Zambezi harvests

Map of Zambezi region Farmers in the Zambezi region are fighting a devastating outbreak of fall armyworm, which is destroying maize fields and jeopardising this season’s harvest. The Ministry of Agricultural, Water, and Land Reform has acknowledged the situation, saying that intervention will depend on the availability of pesticides. The infestation, however, is not confined to maize crops alone, raising concerns about the broader impact on regional food security. […]

27 January, 2025

Namibia

Irrigation Water Supply from Hardap Dam Resumes

NamWater, in collaboration with the Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform ministry, has announced that irrigation water supply from the Hardap Dam will resume on 20 January 2025. The decision, approved by Minister Calle Schlettwein, aims to boost agricultural productivity and regional economic stability last year. Lot Ndamanomhata is NamWater's spokesperson.

16 January, 2025

Business / Economics

S.A’s Ramaphosa Urges Stronger Trade and Investment with Angola

S.A President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger trade and investment ties between South Africa and Angola. Speaking during the state visit of Angolan president João Lourenço, Ramaphosa said both countries must explore new economic opportunities beyond the oil sector, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy:

13 December, 2024

Namibia

New Partnership to Boost Farming and Water Access in Rural Areas

The Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform ministry, alongside the World Food Programme, has signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing local farming practices and improving water access in rural communities. The MOU sets out a framework for collaboration between the two organizations. Executive Director of the Ministry, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata: Acting Country Director and Representative of WFP: Tiwonge Machiwenyika:

26 November, 2024

Environment

Hardap Dam irrigation water supply shuts down tonight

The Hardap Dam has reached its lowest level ever at 6.3%. Starting tonight, irrigation water will no longer be available, a first since the dam was completed in 1963. Water for household use and livestock will still be supplied until February 2026. Here is the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein. Namibia Wildlife Resort Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala says the situation at Hardap also affects […]

31 October, 2024

Environment

Agriculture Minister supports Bank of Namibia’s drought relief policy

The Bank of Namibia has introduced a financial relief policy for farmers affected by ongoing drought, which includes loan restructuring, debt moratoriums, and emergency funding at preferential terms. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein expressed support for the policy in an interview with Future Media, emphasising the need for financial products tailored to the agricultural sector's unique challenges. Minister Schlettwein, discussing Namibia's response to climate change, further highlighted the importance […]

29 October, 2024

Local

Fostering Growth and Prosperity for Farmers in Challenging Times

Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer for Retail Banking Services and Specialist Finance, James Chapman, stated that the livestock and meat industry experienced a notable uptick in marketing activities during the first quarter of 2024, particularly in the cattle sector, which recorded a remarkable growth rate of 47.9 percent. However, he highlighted that this growth faces challenges due to limited rainfall and high input costs affecting the sustainability of the agricultural […]

24 October, 2024

Namibia

President Mbumba inaugurates Daures green hydrogen agriculture facility

President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has officially inaugurated the Daures Green Hydrogen Agriculture Facility in the Erongo region. According to the Presidency, during the ceremony, President Mbumba expressed his gratitude to the Daures community for their support of this innovative project. He also encouraged all Namibians to take pride in the nation’s progress toward a sustainable future. The hydrogen project is expected to become Namibia's largest food producer, with a one-hectare […]

22 October, 2024

Namibia

Agriculture Ministry Tackles Water Supply Crisis in Oshikoto Region

The Agriculture, Water and Land Reform ministry is addressing critical water supply issues in the Oshikoto Region, impacting over 300 villages and public institutions in Eengodi, Okankolo, Omuthiya, Omuntele, and Nehale Lya Mpingana. The ministry is working with regional stakeholders to implement immediate and sustainable solutions to restore water access. Here's minister Carl Herman Schlettwein.

8 October, 2024